Narcotics are simply tools. I would encourage the use of a meaningful pain medicine to allow an injured patient to rest or tolerate transportation. Having pain under control will enable a person to eat and drink.

I woudl not hesitate to recommend folks include a suitable pain medication for use in an emergency. I frequently prescribe medications to sailors for a ship's medical chest with the vessel name as the "patient". Haven't ever had a problem.

The only thing I would say in caution is that ALL narcotics, including the semi-synthetics like codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone have the potential for inducing nausea and vomiting, which many patients report as "allergy". Some people object to the sedation or euphoria effect of the drug. Many of the side effects can be minimized by the co adminstration of promethazine (phenergan).

Have fun!

Jeff